Arizona Rattlers (7-2) vs. Tampa Bay Storm (4-5) Game Preview

Phoenix. Ariz – At the midway point in the season, the Arizona Rattlers (7-2) are finding their stride once again. This Saturday, June 6th they will be back at home to host the Tampa Bay Storm (4-5). Both teams enter Saturday’s contest coming off of a win.

It was a clutch performance last Saturday night, as the Rattlers fought off the Spokane Shock in an impressive 69-47 victory. The win came behind the arm of backup quarterback Shane Boyd, who made his first start of the season with quarterback BJ Coleman leaving the team earlier in the week. Boyd’s performance earned him the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game recognition.

Boyd tossed seven touchdowns to four different Rattler receivers, accumulating 269 yards. Wide receiver Markee White and Boyd had quite the connection, with White snagging three of the seven touchdown passes.

Rattlers’ running back Mykel Benson continued to run strong, picking up his tenth rushing touchdown of the season. His consistent rushing attack ranks Arizona 4th in the AFL in rushing. Benson also caught a touchdown to help propel the Rattlers to victory last weekend.

The Tampa Bay Storm are coming off of an exciting 35-34 win on the road against the New Orleans VooDoo. In a tightly contested defensive battle, Tampa Bay’s defensive back James Harrell had two interceptions and earned the Riddell Defensive Player of the Game award. Consistent efforts like this from Harrell and his fellow defensive backs are a large factor as to why the Storm rank 2nd in the AFL for passing defense.

The Storm and Rattlers meet this Saturday, June 6th at 6 PM for the first time since May 1st, 2010, in a game that ended in dramatic fashion, with the Storm escaping narrowly 62-61 behind a controversial no-call on a possible defensive holding in the end zone on the Rattler’s two-point conversion attempt. Catch the game live on Fox Sports Arizona Plus, when the Arizona Rattlers look to extend their winning streak to four games in the Snake Pit.

About the Arizona Rattlers

The Arizona Rattlers have won three straight ArenaBowl championship games and are proud members of the Arena Football League (AFL). ArenaBowl XXVII marked the team’s ninth appearance in the Championship game, winning in 2014, 2013, 2012, 1997 and 1994. For tickets, call 602-514-TDTD (8383), or visit www.azrattlers.com.